Will County Board District 9 candidates ready for general primary election

By Megann Horstead, Freelance Reporter |
2/21/2018, 2:18 p.m.

A steady stream of voters turned out to vote in Will County on Tuesday which saw 72% turnout.
Photo by Brock A. Stein

Candidates for Will County Board District 9 sought to express their views and interests this week.

There are two open seats in the race, and six Will County residents are vying for a chance to serve.

On the ballot are republican Annette Parker and democrats Rachel Ventura, Todd Randich, Jim Murphy, Sherry Williams and Danganetta Harris who declined to take part in an interview for this story.

Several of those campaigning have previous experience running or serving on a board, committee or council.

Annette Parker

Annette Parker

Annette Parker, a resident of Crest Hill and the lone Republican candidate in the field currently serves as a Will County Board representative for District 9 and Forest Preserve District of Will County Board vice president.

“I want to continue the work that I have already started and keep the positive progress moving forward,” she said. “In the last three-and-half years since being elected, I have voted to lower the tax rate, while still providing residents top-quality service. I want to continue to improve the quality of life for all residents in District 9 and throughout Will County.

Parker credits her family and the values they instilled in her for making her the candidate she is today.

“I was raised in a middle class, hard-working union family,” she said. “I have experienced highs and lows, just like everyone else. The experiences have made me cherish my family, neighbors and the community. My values drive me to continue to represent the people as the local candidate getting things done.”

Parker has some changes that she envisions bringing to Will County.

“In a growing county, change is always necessary,” she said. “As the elected representative, I will vote on any necessary changes for improvements at all levels for the betterment of the county. At the top of the list is trying to secure federal dollars for infrastructure to help move along our Will County Community Friendly Freight Mobility Plan.”

Todd Randich

Submitted photo

Todd Randich

Randich is a retired fire lieutenant and a trustee for the Lockport Township Fire Protection District.

“I believe my years of experience has proven it,” he said, referring to why he should be considered the best-fit candidate. “I’m always willing to help. I’m a very good listener, a fiscally sound steward of taxpayer dollars. I was a labor leader for the fire protection district for 15 years.”

Randich’s family has a history of commitment to public service. His dad served as mayor of Crest Hill and his brother was a fireman.

“Public service runs in my blood,” Randich said.

Others, like Ventura, Murphy and Williams, are new to the political arena. Williams and Murphy have no prior experience running for a civic board, committee or council, while Ventura previously ran for at-large city council member in Joliet.

Jim Murphy

Submitted photo

Jim Murphy

“I am running as a Democrat for Will County Board in District 9 because I believe my professional and personal experience have provided me with the right qualifications for the position,” Murphy said.